Stitching in Memory

Stitching in memory of a wonderful colleague

Bromsgrove-based fabric store and haberdashery Brenda Killigrew Sewing Studio and its sister company Inkberrow Design Centre are hosting a “sew-athon” in memory of former colleague Laura Callard on July 17th.

The highly respected and loved tutor was a key team member of the Inkberrow Design Centre for more than 15 years during which time she inspired and educated hundreds of budding designers and costume makers, not only through her work at IDC and Heart of Worcestershire College where she also taught, but also as a wedding dress designer working in Stratford upon Avon creating one-off customised designs for brides.

Sadly, Laura lost her three year battle with breast cancer earlier this year. To celebrate her life, creativity and her love of teaching, director Brenda Killigrew wanted to give her former students a way to leave tributes. Covid restrictions had meant that we could not attend the funeral, so will be raising funds for Cancer Research UK alongside funding a memorial tree to be planted close to one of the college’s former teaching sites at the Westall Park Woodland Cemetery at Holberrow Green.

BKSS and IDC will be inviting past students, customers, local sewing enthusiasts new and old, novice and expert to come along and sew in the first floor studios at 17 Worcester Road and be involved in a creatively charged tribute, making mementos to hang on the planned memorial tree.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to make a Morse bag reusable shopper to get an introduction to sewing and show their support whilst they shop with their own make to take away on the day. If the weather allows there will also be an opportunity for outdoor sewing. We will have breast cancer charity boxes available on the day for donations.

Alongside the sew-a-thon the ground floor shop will be running a Think Pink Sale during July with proceeds from all pink items going to Cancer Research UK. Look out for a special window display to mark the fundraising efforts reflecting Laura’s love of handmade corsetry and show-stopping design.

Brenda said: “This is a perfect way to remember Laura and raise some much-needed funds to support research and support for Breast Cancer patients and their families. Laura was an amazingly creative person who loved to share her knowledge and passion with others and would be thrilled to see everyone getting creative and involved.”